The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) has arrived in Cabo Verde ahead of the presidential election on Sunday, November 15, bringing together 37 short-term observers from 22 African countries. The mission will assess the electoral process, including voting day and the post-election environment.
Led by former Angolan Vice President Bornito de Sousa Baltazar Diogo, the mission will remain in the country until November 20, according to the African Union. It is expected to issue a preliminary statement on November 17, followed by a comprehensive report within one month of the announcement of the final results.
The African Union mission will work alongside observers deployed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The regional bloc has deployed 20 long-term experts across the islands, with around 60 short-term observers expected to join them ahead of election day.
Six candidates are competing for the presidency, including incumbent José Maria Neves, who is seeking a second five-year term, and former justice minister Joana Rosa, the country's first woman presidential candidate. The campaign has focused on employment, emigration and economic development.
Polling stations in Cabo Verde and designated locations abroad are scheduled to open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. local time on November 15.
The election follows parliamentary polls in May, in which the African Party for the Independence of Cabo Verde (PAICV) won 37 of the National Assembly’s 72 seats. The presidential vote will determine who serves as head of state for the next five years.
